Mermaid Beach, Queensland

The suburb is bounded to the west by the artificial canals of adjacent Mermaid Waters and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. To the north is the suburb of Broadbeach, to the south Miami. The Gold Coast Highway passes through Mermaid Beach. The Gold Coast Oceanway (a pedestrian path) travels along Hedges Avenue. == History ==

Mermaid Beach receives its name from the cutter HMS Mermaid. Explorer John Oxley sailed aboard the Mermaid in 1823 when he discovered the nearby Tweed and Brisbane rivers. Mermaid Beach was used during World War II by US servicemen and was named Los Angeles Beach as well as Miami Beach to the south. Circa 1924, 70 allotments were advertised as "Mermaid Beach Estate" located at Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach to be auctioned by R. G. Oates Estates. The estate map has 3 estates for sale at Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach. The estates were divided in two by the "New Coastal Road" running through the Gold Coast. Magic Mountain, Nobby Beach opened up in 1962 On 24 August 1975, the first McDonald's restaurant in Queensland opened in Mermaid Beach. St James' Anglican Church was dedicated on 11 November 1977 by Assistant Bishop Ralph Wicks. Its closure on 15 August 1993 was approved by Assistant Bishop Ron Williams. == Demographics ==

In the , Mermaid Beach had a population of 5,722 people. In the , Mermaid Beach had a population of 6,533 people. In the , Mermaid Beach had a population of 7,329 people. == Education ==

There are no schools in Mermaid Beach. The nearest government primary schools are Broadbeach State School in neighbouring Broadbeach to the north and Miami State School in neighbouring Mermaid Waters to the south-west. The nearest government secondary schools are Merrimac State High School in Mermaid Waters to the west and Miami State High School in neighbouring Miami to the south. == Amenities ==

The Mermaid Beach branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at QCWA Hall at 43 Ventura Road (). Other community groups include: • Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club • Nobby Beach Surf Life Saving Club == References ==